Adios, Chivas

Brazilian club Internacional routs visiting Chivas, 4-0, to win the Copa Sudamericana semifinal series on a 6-0 aggregate. They'll face an Argentine side, Estudiantes or Argentinos Juniors, in the finals.

Good news for Landon, a winter gig with Bayern. Bad news, why would they not just buy him on Jan. 1 if they want him permanently? I think (like the Becks deal), it's just a move to get some attention in other markets. Or maybe Klinsman is doing a solid for some pals.

I thought, when seeing just the headline, that Chivas USA was being moved to another market.

As for Donovan and Bayern, it's probably the best deal for both parties. Neither can know 100% whether Donovan has really changed mentally and is prepared for living away from California and fighting every day for his starting job (something he doesn't really have to do with the Galaxy or even the national team). What the deal says to me is the following:

1. Bayern thinks Donovan can make some kind of contribution at the level they require.
2. Bayern is not sure that his reaction to being abroad and having to compete for playing time will be any different this time.
3. Bayern is not sure that MLS's asking price is reasonable, given Donovan's lack of accomplishment against non-CONCACAF competition.

Despite being a bit of a wingnut in terms of front office management, Alexi Lalas was dead-on during his gig at ESPN the other week...he said the MLS' perception of Landon's value is likely not the same at Europe's perception of his value.

Anschutz, er AEG, er, Beckhan Brands Inc., er (who really runs the Galaxy?) likely would ask for a ridiculous sum for US Soccer Golden Child. Recall what MLS has asked for lower/non-marquis players. They would surely ask in the tens of higher. He would not sell at that price.

It is much cheaper for Bayern to take him on loan and pay his wages - it also saves AEG money in a non-revenue-generating offseason. There is no way a club would pay $15 million USD for him currently. If he shows well in the Bundesliga this season, AEG/MLS/SierraMist/JuiceBoxInc. could very well see their demanded transfer fee becoming more realistic.

Essentially, AEG has nothing to lose. If he fails, he comes back. If he does well, they could earn a tidy sum (by MLS standards) of euros.